For me, like many people, everyday is Earth Day. There are times we celebrate her resplendent beauty and times we tend to her deep wounds. Today I wanted to share with you some recent photos of the creatures she nurtures, taken from around Cape Ann and from my trip to visit our daughter in California. If you are curious about what species (especially some of the Cali birds), click on the image; each photo is labeled.

A Light exists in Spring
Emily Dickinson

A Light exists in Spring
Not present on the Year
At any other period —-
When March is scarcely here

A Color stands abroad
On Solitary Fields
That Science cannot overtake
But Human Nature feels.

It waits upon the Lawn,
It shows the furthest Tree
Upon the furthest Slope you know
It almost speaks to me.

Then as Horizons step
Or Noons report away
Without the Formula of sound
It passes and we stay —-

A quality of loss
Affecting our Content
As Trade had suddenly encroached
Upon a Sacrament.